MINI MASTERCLASS: Learning the Fundamentals of Fiction

LEARNING THE FUNDAMENTALS OF FICTION IS THE FIRST—AND MOST IMPORTANT STEP—OF LEARNING TO WRITE, EDIT, OR CRITIQUE FOR AUTHORS.

These fundamentals are the very foundation that all your favorite writers have used to craft the thrilling, beautiful, provocative, and gritty stories that keep you up late into the night. Reading with a purpose, whether to learn to beta read or edit, write, or even market books, has never been easier to learn.

SO WHAT IS CREATIVE WRITING?

It is writing that uses the imagination to compose the form and content of a work.

This literary term describes a type of writing as opposed to a value judgment such as “that was some impressive imaginative writing.”

Fiction, in essence, is creative writing (even if not written very creatively).

AND WHAT AM I GETTING IN THIS COURSE?

This course is designed to get your foundation in place before pursuing a career in writing, editing, beta reading, etc. There are 15 modules that could be covered in 15 days, should you so accept the challenge, grasshoppa (but you can take your sweet lil' time).

The modules are comprised of videos, written lessons, templates and forms, and even some assessments to keep you on your game.

COURSE CURRICULUM

Learning the Fundamentals of Fiction Syllabus

Modules: 15—Lessons: 19

MODULE 1: Welcome

This course was designed in a linear fashion, but you are welcome to jump around if you so choose.

MODULE 2: Introduction to the Fundamentals of Fiction

This module introduces you to The Fundamentals of Fiction, which is necessary to become a successful beta reader, editor, reviewer, writer, etc.

MODULE 3: The Zoomed-Out View

In this module, think about the fundamental component from a zoomed-out view—consider how theme unifies an author's entire work.

MODULE 4: Where? When? and What the What Is Going On?!

In this module, you'll learn to identify setting, time, and plot.

MODULE 5: He Said, From His Mind's Eye, "This and That."

In this module you'll learn about character, POV, and dialogue.

MODULE 6: Tackling Three Important Details

In this module you'll be given resources to help you discuss tone, voice, and style.

MODULE 7: Getting All Your Ducks in a Row

In this module you'll learn about the most popular genres hitting the bestseller markets and providing author service providers a wealth of clientele.

MODULE 8: Drilling Down Theme

In this module, you're going to learn how to identify theme in a book.

MODULE 9: Drilling Down Setting and Time

Today you'll learn to identify setting and time in your practice book.

MODULE 10: Drilling Down Plot

Today you're going to explore the plot in your practice book.

MODULE 11: Drilling Down Character and POV

In this module, you'll determine the level of character development found in your practice book.

MODULE 12: Drilling Down Dialogue

Today you'll critique the dialogue used in your practice book.

MODULE 13: Drilling Down Tone, Voice, and Style

In this module, you'll discuss tone, voice, and style as it pertains to your practice novel.

MODULE 14: Wrapping Up!

WooHoo! You've covered all the fundamentals of fiction!

MODULE 15: A Little Extra...

Just a lil' something extra to say I HEART YOU BIGTIME and hope you enjoyed the course!

Holy Hennessy! You Did It!

Congratulations! You have completed all 15 modules and should have a good understanding of the very foundation to all the juicy, thrilling, gripping novels you love. From here, the sky is the limit!

GOT QUESTIONS? I'VE GOT ANSWERS...

When does the course start and finish?

The course starts upon enrollment and is finished upon your completion.

How long do I have access to the course?

After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course throughout the course's lifetime—across any and all devices you own.

What if I am unhappy with the course?

Please review all information provided and take thoughtful and thorough consideration prior to enrolling. This is an investment in education, not a retail purchase.

Once enrolled, you have access to copyrighted information of Dedrie Marie and Lit-Lucrative™. Do your research and determine if you are ready to take action. If so, I am happy to have you! If not, no hard feelings.

Also, if you have questions or concerns once enrolled, please do not hesitate to contact me. My mission is to be successful in delivering a quality and applicable education to students just like you, and the success and satisfaction of those students is pivotal to that. Having said that, I stand by my course and have no desire to keep your hard-earned cash if you don't want to be here. So you have 30 days from time of purchase to decide. If after 30 days you do not feel the course is valuable, you can request a full refund by emailing [email protected].

Can I enroll if I live outside the U.S.?

You can, but keep in mind that being a native English speaker is important, as this course is geared toward American English writing.

How long will the course take to complete?

Learning the Fundamentals of Fiction is a self-study course offered within an open-ended time frame within which you determine the pace.

Are there prerequisites for this course?

No. Anyone can enroll in this course.

Who is this course for?

This course was designed for the book lover who has a love for fiction and wants to write and/or has a desire to help authors improve their works. A background in publishing or editing is not necessary. Its modules address the fundamentals of fiction. If you are interested in learning how to apply the fundamentals to an author's work and how to establish a freelance business as an author services provider, please see the additional courses available for purchase.

Will I have any additional expenses other than tuition?

I am assuming you have a computer, though I suppose you could camp out at your local library. (Go libraries!) Nothing else is absolutely required for this course other than access to your favorite book. If you decide to enroll in the Becoming Lit-Lucrative with Beta Reading course or the other mini masterclasses, you will see recommendations for other tools as well as potential business expenses.

Can I make money from this course?

This course is simply an introduction to the fundamentals of fiction. But it's an excellent starting place, should you desire to work with authors (or write your own books). You'll need this information if you decide to work as a beta reader, editor, reviewer, marketer, etc. As with any self-made business, you reap what you sow. But to give you an idea, professional beta reader rates range in price (on average) from $0.001 to $0.003 per word. For an 80,000-word novel, that comes to $80 to $240. And you can check out other author service provider rates at the Editorial Freelancers Association website.

Is there enough business out there should I decide to work with authors?

Oh, my goodness, yes! There was an industry report conducted by Bowker stating that the number of self-published titles has increased by more than 375% since 2010. 375%, people! Given the increased number of self-published authors topping the best-seller lists, I'd say that there is a definite need for editors, beta readers, proofreaders, cover designers, etc.!

(On top of that, figure in that my research concluded that most self-publishing authors believe beta readers are a must. It's there. Beta readers are in demand.)

How much time a week should I set aside for this course?

This course was designed with the go-getter in mind. I'd say that if you set aside seven hours a week, you could swing it in a few weeks. But luckily, you can set your own pace.

This course runs in a linear fashion—a series of 15 modules—but you are welcome to jump around.

By the end of the course, you'll have a solid foundation of the fundamentals of fiction, with which you can use to inform your beta reading or other critique feedback, should you opt to provide such a service.

When I go to use the course, it's giving me the option to purchase. But I've already bought the course. What do I do?

Most likely, you're just logged out. If you do not see your personal avatar and you see the option to log in—well, then you simply need to log in.

What do I do if I forgot my password?

No problem. Just click on the bottom where it says "Forgot Password." It'll prompt you from there.

ONE LAST LITTLE NOTE, FROM A BELIEVER IN TAKING LEAPS...

I'm not privy to the reasons you've decided to look into this course. Maybe you are thinking of becoming a writer. Maybe you love, love, love reading and are considering ways you can spend your days with glorious stories...and get paid to do so (editing, beta reading, proofreading, reviewing, etc.).

If so, I highly recommend you consider beta reading to get a taste. Although beta reading may not be the work that makes you swoon just thinking about it. (Seriously though? I curl up in my comfy clothes, drink my coffee, tea, wine, whiskey—sometimes water—and read all day. And get paid! Though I also write, proofread, and copyedit...which beta reading opens the doors to.)

My point is, if you find yourself spending your evenings ugly crying into your vodka because you hate your soul-sucking job, YOU'VE GOT TO MAKE A CHANGE.

FUN is a legit career strategy, I promise. If you're stressing about all of the different things you could do, try looking at each one through how much fun it'll be for you. Seriously. Forget straight-laced practicality—it's for the birds. And people born 100 years ago.

So do something, anything, just don't remain mired in the muck. I have a feelin' you're too damn good for that.

This course is an easy investment to find out if spending your days REALLY reading books is your cuppa tea.

Now let's stop dragging our feet and get started. If you get your rear in gear, you could have a good understanding of what crafting a novel is all about!